Funny Differences Between Fiction and Non-fiction Books

10+10 Pros and Cons Of Writing Different Book Types

Oleg Deem
2 min readNov 20, 2023
Made by the author with AI

Which type of book is easier to write: fiction or nonfiction? Let’s look at the pros and cons.

Advantages of Fiction

  1. In fiction, the author doesn’t have to do any pesky fact-checking. Non-fiction writers hate it when details get in the way of a good story.
  2. Fiction characters can do whatever the plot demands. Non-fiction figures are limited by what really happened in the past. No time travel allowed!
  3. Fiction worlds only follow the rules of imagination. Non-fiction must obey logic, reason, and the constraints of reality. So restricting.
  4. Readers pick up fiction to escape reality. They clutch non-fiction hoping to make sense of the real world. Talk about role reversal!
  5. Fiction plays fast and loose rewriting histories. Non-fiction gets bogged down with actual historical accuracy. No wonder timelines are messy.
  6. In fiction, authors kill off characters at will. Non-fiction people refuse to conveniently die on deadline. Talk about being uncooperative sources!
  7. With fiction, you only please readers. Non-fiction also has to appease picky fact-checkers, editors, and lawyers. So many critics!
  8. Fiction deadlines depend solely on publishers. Non-fiction considers pesky things like current events that can’t wait for procrastination.
  9. Fiction gives total narrative control. Non-fiction follows wherever discoveries lead, for better or worse. Flexibility is not its strong suit.
  10. Ultimately, fiction offers fantasy worlds of endless possibility while non-fiction braves the boring trenches of verified reality. No contest which is more fun!

Advantages of Non-fiction

  1. In fiction, you have to make up convincing characters and entire worlds out of thin air. Non-fiction relies on just recounting what already exists.
  2. Fiction requires crafting intricate plots that stand up to scrutiny. Non-fiction plots write themselves based on what objectively occurred.
  3. Fiction dialogue must sound natural and advance the story. Non-fiction quotes are just transcribed from real life. No challenge there!
  4. In fiction, consistency spans an entire galaxy of details. Non-fiction need only maintain consistency with facts. No room for errors there!
  5. Fiction scenes must be vivid enough to immerse readers. Non-fiction can slide by on basic observations and facts.
  6. Fiction arcs must satisfy readers emotionally. Non-fiction satisfies by simply informing on topics. Such low standards!
  7. Fiction climaxes aren’t given, they must be engineered for maximum drama. Non-fiction climaxes just happen and write themselves.
  8. Fiction leaves room for interpretation. Non-fiction allows no ambiguity so readers “get it.” Must be so freeing!
  9. Fiction spans generations and genres. Non-fiction works stay cozily within research specialties. Variety is difficult!
  10. Fiction lets imaginations soar. Non-fiction keeps both feet planted in the limitations of reality. Talk about constraining creativity!

Have a nice day))

--

--

Oleg Deem
Oleg Deem

Written by Oleg Deem

Don't follow me, It's a rollercoaster of sarcasm, unconventional advice and dark humor.

Responses (1)